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“Of course there is.” He huffs the reply, as if irritated by our ignorance.

But how were we supposed to know such a thing existed? No one offered that information up. We just took the integrity and words of the gods at face value, even while fighting against them.

Beside me, Sterling practically vibrates with anger, and my own ire heats my blood.

Gods, I swear. Far too many of them are pustulant wounds on the ass of humanity.

“Well, we didn’t know about it,” Sterling all but growls.

“Shocking.” The Guardian’s dry tone could wither crops, and I reach out and grab Sterling’s arm to keep him in check. “The addendum states mortals named as champions shall be elevated to guardian status.”

I frown. “But we didn’t fight each other.”

The Guardian turns to Sterling. “She’s very focused on fighting. Watch out for her. Oh wait, you’re married. Too late for you, buddy. You’re stuck with her.” His lips split in a wry grin that’s so uncharacteristic I blink to ensure I haven’t imagined it. “Were you named as a champion? Both of you?”

We nod.

“The covenant says nothing about fighting in a Champions Death Match. It says ‘named champion.’” He closes his sky blue eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose with long, elegant fingers. “‘Named champions shall be elevated.’ No loopholes on that one.”

My heart skips a beat as I process his words. In our defense, we did just finish fighting against gods and creatures not of this realm. And succeed in changing the entire world.

We’re really fucking tired.

Uncertainty flashes across Sterling’s face. “We’re…both guardians?”

The Guardian snorts in amusement.

The implications begin to sink in. It will take a long time to absorb everything we’ve just learned.

Of course, we now have a long time. A very long time.

“How much longer of a lifespan do guardians have?” I don’t even try to mask the awe in my voice.

The Guardian straightens, his galaxy-filled eyes distant with memory. “It depends. Personally, I remember when your Queen Aero flung Narc out of the sky.”

My breath catches. According to the histories, that was three hundred years ago. Give or take. “You were there?”

His slight nod carries the weight of ages, of centuries witnessed and endured.

Sterling studies him with newfound interest. “Why were you elevated?”

The Guardian meets his gaze, pain flickering behind his eyes. Without a word, he pivots and stalks away, his perfect posture betraying nothing of his thoughts.

Sterling and I stare at each other in thick silence, trying to acclimate to the stunning news. Then with a grin that breaks through his exhaustion like sun through storm clouds, he swings an arm over my shoulder. “I still think we should go ahead and start our honeymoon.”

“Do you think it’s really over?” The question tumbles out of my mouth without thought.

Sterling’s arm tightens around my shoulders. “Well, we do still have a new covenant to hammer out with the gods. And we have to take into consideration not just Tirene, and not just now, but all the kingdoms for the rest of time.”

My stomach clenches. My face must betray my unease because he laughs.

“Don’t worry.” He kisses the corner of my mouth. “We’ll make it work. I know a thing or two about contracts.”

I smile up at him, struck by the simple confidence in his voice. Not arrogance, just the steady certainty of a man who knows his capabilities and the strength of those who stand by him.

“He always was better with a pen than a sword.”

The voice comes from behind us, unexpectedly close. I turn to find Agnar grinning through the dirt and blood that streaks his battle-scarred face. His coppery hair is matted to his forehead, one sleeve of his uniform torn away completely to reveal a hastily bandaged arm. Despite it all, his blue eyes sparkle with their usual mischief.